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Summer brings with it beach trips and picnics, relaxing poolside and lots of ice cream to stay cool. Here is a list of how we are making the most of the summer this July, starting with our Independence Day Plans. If you are staying in town for the 4th, here are our top three picks to enjoy it like the locals:

Old Fashioned 4th of July in Apex: Perfect for the kids, this event starts at 9:00 am and includes inflatables, karaoke, carnival games, street performers and food. Kids 12 and under with any non-motorized vehicle – think bikes and wagons – get to participate in the “Uncle Sam’s Parade of Wheels” straight down Salem Street at 12:00 pm. FYI no pets are allowed, more information can be found here.

The Town of Cary’s July 4th Celebration: Held at Koka Booth Amphitheater, this family friendly event includes rides, games, a huge scavenger hunt, watermelon eating contest, and even a 50 foot ferris wheel. Music begins at 5:45 pm and finishes with a firework display to close out the night. Parking is free with gates opening at 3:00 pm, more information available here.

Downtown Raleigh’s July 4th Festival: This free all day festival begins at 12:00 pm and includes hot dog and ice cream eating contests, a roller rink, BMX stunt show, live music, tons of food, street performers, art vendors, and a huge firework display around 9:30 pm. One of the best places to see show is on the Boylan Bridge beside Boylan Bridge Brewpub. Be sure to bring cash with you, as some of the parking decks don’t take credit and get down there early because they fill up fast. Details and Maps here.

Here are a few other activities you will find the locals enjoying this month:

Pop Up Art Show and Wine Reception: We are excited to host our first ever pop up art show featuring Juliana Craig and Peter Sack. Both artists-in-residence at SAS Institute, Craig and Sack’s works of art must be versatile, moving with ease from abstract to representational imagery, from oils and acrylics to watercolors and pastels, from two dimensions to three, from an intimate scale to a monumental one. Join us July 12th for the opening of their show with a welcome wine reception with small bites. The event is complimentary, but reservations are required and can be made at 919-447-4050.

Raleigh Supercon: Head downtown to the Raleigh Convention Center for Supercon on July 14th through 16th. This three day festival is perfect for fans of all kind, with guest speakers including Michael Rooker of Guardians of the Galaxy, Brent Spiner from Star Trek and Independence Day, Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things, Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters, and more. Artists, actors, comic books and cosplay, there is plenty to do and see. Ticket information and details are available here.

Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting: Join us on July 19th for our Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting. For this installment, we are exploring wines to drink on all these long and lazy summer days. From sparkling wines to light and crisp whites to light –bodied reds, discover a plethora of refreshing wines perfect for warm weather. Tickets are $40 per person, all inclusive and can be purchased at 919-447-4050. Details here.

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival: Finish out the month at the Koka Booth Amphitheater for the annual Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival on July 28th and 29th. Admission buys you a sampling glass so you can sip and savor all the bourbon and BBQ you like with BBQ available, live music, and plenty of seminars to learn more. Details available here.